The site and surrounding area

When Tate Modern was created out of the shell of the old Bankside Power Station, areas associated with the power station infrastructure remained untouched. These included a large Switch House, and three massive underground chambers, which once housed the oil tanks that ran the turbines. The three oil tanks – arranged in a clover-leaf formation, each approximately 60 metres in diameter and 20 metres high – will be immediately accessible from an adjacent Ante Chamber which will form the new main entrance, incorporating a welcome area and starting point for visits. The oil tanks will be, quite literally, the foundation of Tate Modern 2 and central to the vision for future programming.

The Switch House, south of the Turbine Hall, still houses an electricity substation that serves a large area of the City and South London. EDF Energy who own and operate the substation, need to modernise the station's equipment. This provides an opportunity to move the plant into a smaller area of the building thus freeing up space for Tate Modern to expand.

Once the Switch Station is opened up, people will be able to cross the Thames, walk through the existing Tate Modern and Turbine Hall, and out onto the new triangular plaza. From there direct paths continue into the heart of Southwark – helping to connect this whole area to the South Bank and the City beyond, and providing the catalyst for the further regeneration of this whole area.

Tate visitors, local residents and art lovers have been invited to comment and contribute ideas by joining The Great Tate Mod Blog.